Chapter 16: Home, Part 1

As they rode, Seth noticed the sounds deep within the forest. The chirping of many species of birds, the rustling of the leaves under Kirlin's hooves, the sound of the wind through the trees; it was very different from back home. He didn't hear the sound of cars driving down a paved road, airplanes flying overhead, or the sounds of any other modern technology that he must have heard at home, but had paid no attention to before.

They rode for a time, and it was surprising to Seth that Kirlin walked so pleasantly without a bridle. "How is it that you don't need a bridle for Kirlin and he follows so well?" Seth asked. He heard Kirlin's sure feet padding methodically along the worn path. "He must be well trained."

Briana laughed and to Seth's amazement, it sounded like bells. "Don't you know, boy? You cannot tame a unicorn!"

Seth was immediately perturbed. "I'm not a boy! And stop calling me one!" Seth retorted. After a long silence, he calmed down enough to ask, "Why can't you tame a unicorn?"

"Because a unicorn's heart is so pure that it cannot be tamed. They are also intelligent creatures and can think for themselves. Taming them is not necessary," Briana said, shifting her eyes toward Seth. "Also, a unicorn only comes to those who are virtuous and worthy," she said, holding tightly to the unicorn's mane as they plodded along. It had not escaped Briana's notice that Kirlin had come to Seth, but she said nothing of it. "I'm surprised you do not know these things. Everyone in Cambria knows about unicorns."

Seth thought for a moment before answering. "Well, I'm not from around here. We don't have unicorns where I come from." He was glad she couldn't know just how "not around here" he really lived.

"Oh, you are far from your home, then?" Briana asked with her thick English accent, hoping he couldn't hear the interest in her voice.

"Yes."

"Is your family here with you?" Briana asked over her shoulder without making eye contact. Kirlin plodded methodically along the heavy path deep into the forest. And to Seth's amazement, Kirlin made no attempt to run away, fly, or any of the things he did earlier when he was alone with Seth. Seth also noticed the ancient mosses that hung from the trees and long grasses that adorned the forest floor. He recognized some trees: white birch, spruces, alder trees, mountain ash, cherry trees, and many others. There was much variety within the forest along with its beauty.

"No," Seth answered simply, becoming melancholy thinking of his mother.

"Are they still alive?" Briana asked with concern in her voice.

"Yes, of course," Seth was quick to answer. "Or at least my mother is. I've never met my father. I don't know if he's dead or alive."

Briana nodded in understanding as a wistful look came into her eyes that Seth could not see.

There was nothing more to say, so the silence wore on. Soon, there was a lightening at the edge of the forest ahead, which grew more pronounced as they drew near. Gradually, the lightening grew brighter until they finally stepped into a clearing. And Seth could not believe his eyes as he marveled at the beauty surrounding them.

For in the clearing was a little cottage made of natural stones of all shapes nestled in a meadow of wildflowers of every color-pink, purple, yellow, white, blue-along with long grasses, dancing in the soft breeze. The cottage had a chimney and a wooden front porch that stretched along the front on both sides of the door, which was right in the center. The stones of the cottage were in varying natural hues of tan, beige, and light brown that shimmered in the sunlight. Seth was amazed at its beauty. Behind the cottage, Seth could hear the gurgle of a stream. And for reasons Seth could not explain, eyeing the cottage was like coming home.

Briana and Seth said nothing as they neared the cottage. Outside, working in a garden to the left of the cottage, were two young men probably in their late teens. Both were tall in stature. Seth could tell that the man on the left was heavily muscled, which was evident even through his loose fitting shirt. He had light brown curly hair with blonde streaks and his skin was tanned. The other was buff, but not as heavily muscled, and had straight dark brown hair to his shoulders, and was tanned as well. Both men were nice looking, despite their nondescript, loose fitting clothes and boots that were much like Briana's.

To the right of the cottage was a make-shift corral, made of strong heavy wooden beams, which held quarter horses: one was a sorrel color with a dark mane and tail; another was a dark reddish brown with a black mane and tail; another was light beige with a light brown mane and tail; and the last was a sleek, coal black with a blue-black mane and tail. They were beautiful animals, stocky, yet sleek, and well suited for work. But there were no other unicorns in the corral.

As Seth, Briana, and Kirlin neared the cottage, a man stepped out the front door and leaned onto the front porch rail. He had a faraway look in his eye as he looked unseeing over the field. The man was older, probably in his mid thirties. His hair was dark and waved past his ears, falling to the nape of his neck. His skin was a beautiful tanned, russet color, and he also wore a loose fitting beige shirt that hung over brown trousers and boots.

"Father!" Briana called, as they neared the cottage. The older man waved briefly at Briana. But his smile did not hold when he saw Seth riding with her.

"Briana, you need to help your brothers in the garden," the man said abruptly, also in a very masculine, heavy English accent. "They are doing your share as well, and it isn't fair. Come, girl, where have you been?"

"Kirlin ran away and this boy helped me to retrieve him," Briana answered, indicating Seth riding with her on the exquisite creature.

Seth rolled his eyes again at the word "boy."